Volume 6 – Chapter 16 – Part 3 – Brother x Brother and Underworld Rebels

Third Person Point of View

…

"Fufufu~!" an ominous voice echoed throughout the area from a large cocoon that started to pulse rapidly.

Ignia, who had been bored out of his mind, immediately sat up from his cage. A cold sweat appeared all over his body. However, he got himself ready for another fight.

'That…was fast! Well, honestly, I have no idea how long we've been here. I stopped caring and counting at some point,' he thought and stared at the pulsing cocoon.

The cocoon suddenly burst. A blinding light came from it and Ignia covered his eyes with his arm. However, the light faded just as quickly. His sibling 'Lapis' stepped out of the cocoon and flew over to him. Ignia noticed no difference in her appearance, but the power she oozed said otherwise.

"Ignia-chan~! I'm ready! I would say that we go back to daddy's universe as soon as possible, but how about we pay visit to a few on our way there~? Call it a family road trip!" she declared happily.

The cage around Ignia vanished and as soon as it did, he threw a punch at Lapis who to his surprise let it hit her on the face, but…

"…?! W-what?!" Surprised by this, Ignia tried to back away, but Lapis gently grabbed his wrist.

"You didn't notice earlier, did you~? Fufufu, that's what you get for not being attentive~!" she said happily. "Don't worry, I'll kill you along with everyone daddy cares about, but I'll enjoy it at the same time~ for now we're going on one last trip as brother and sister~!"

Lapis pulled Ignia away, who tried to struggle but couldn't find the strength to—no, his powers from before…were gone!

"Y-you…what did you do to me?!" he asked in horror.

"That cage, silly! You didn't notice it feeding your powers to me~? Right now, you're as strong as a regular human, fufu! But don't worry~! You can get that power back if you train…but you won't live too long to have that happen~!"

Ignia stared at Lapis in shock. 'How did I not notice?!' he shouted at himself. 'I didn't feel anything! I'm strong enough to notice shit like that, so why?" As he shouted, a realization hit him.

"Fufu, you finally understood, didn't you~?" asked Lapis who licked his cheek. "Because of the previously new power I received~ you couldn't perceive it~ hu-hu-hu~!"

"…What do you plan on doing?" he asked.

"I just said it, didn't I? Jeeeeez~ pay attention~!" she cried out. She then looked at Ignia with a cold and sinister expression. "I'm going to hurt daddy, by killing as many people as I can~ he loves the innocence, as well as humans too, so with how big that place is, it'll be a piece of cake~!"

Lapis then let go of his hand. Ignia tried to move away, but after a certain distance it felt like he was yanked back. He looked at Lapis who smiled at him. He tried again, and the same thing happened again.

"I tied you to me, silly! Until we get back to the Draconic Deus, you can't get away from me!" she told him and patted his head. "Now, now, I found a pretty universe to kill and absorb more strength!"

"What?" Ignia asked confused.

"Do you know how this Ghidorah got stronger?" she asked back. Ignia reluctantly shook his head. "It's because it devoured planets and their inhabitants. I'll do that on the way to daddy's universe. Prepare yourself, Ignia-chan! I'm going on a feast!"

Lapis then teleported both of them away, they appeared over a modern city. Some people looked up and saw two people floating, which confused them.

Lapis poked her cheek and hummed. "Hmmm~ I was going to take my time on this one, but…let's see what happens with just one attack~" she said and summoned a small pink ball of energy from her fingertips.

It slowly dropped to the ground as all the humans around the area watched it in confusion—to them this was some kind of unannounced filming session or a reality TV show that they were all roped into without being told.

The pink ball made a small 'ping' noise before the entire planet erupted and nothing was left of it. The only thing that remained was the large pink explosion that occurred after the ping ball of energy that had expanded in size.

"Ara, ara~ I think Frieza-chan would have liked this, too bad he didn't try it, how unfortunate—ah, I'll absorb everything now~!" she said and put her other hand out. A pink twister left her hand and consumed the core of the planet that had managed to stay intact.

"How did that not get destroyed?" Ignia asked.

"I have control of my powers too, you know? Jeez, Ignia-chan who do you take me for?" she asked in a huff. Ignia didn't answer as he watched the destruction of this world—and perhaps even this universe.

"Are you planning to wipe out this universe?" he asked.

"Of course, there are around 17 decillion planets here. I'll probably only go up a small amount of power though…oh well, hopefully I'll be stronger when we arrive in the Draconic Deus. I want to surprise Daddy with this~! Mommy obviously approves~!"

She looked at Ignia and smiled. "So, please watch over me until we get to the Draconic Deus where I lay waste to it~!"

…

Only a short time had passed since Lapis began her destruction across this universe and she had already wiped out more than 90% of life on it, and consumed 90% of the planets there. Lapis sang, danced and hummed to herself as she did this. On some planets there were also some other life, but they were no match to her as she ended their existence quite quickly.

Ignia was forced to tag along with her. He usually doesn't mind this much death and destruction. However, he would often like to fight with his prey first before he finished them off, so this just left an unpleasant taste in his mouth.

"Ara~? Ignia-chan, you seem unhappy with all this chaos~?" Lapis asked. She was confused by his reaction so far.

"You know how I am with this kind of thing, Lapis. I like to fight people on a fair-ish-enough playing field before I decide to blow up their planets. I want to get that thrill of a fight, but this is just one-sided slaughter. I can't get into it," replied Ignia.

"Fufu, maybe daddy already affected you too, huh? He does that a lot to people after all~" mused Lapis as she destroyed another planet and absorbed it.

"Affect me? I doubt it. We have a give and take relationship. I provided him with information, he lets me fight him or any one of his subordinates, but since you decided to fuck off, I had to chase you. But it wasn't that bad, I got to fight a bunch of people and destroy about of planets in the process," said Ignia. He smirked at the thought of remembering his past carnage.

"Well, you were too late, Ignia-chan~! Now I'm super-powerful~!" Lapis said and they arrived at a new planet. "Oh?"

Upon hearing Lapis, Ignia looked at the planet. Previously he had been just looking at the outer space and hadn't been paying attention to Lapis' one-sided destruction. However, once he saw the planet…it had a bunch of residents appear in front of them.

"Halt! You have—"

"Boom~!" Lapis pointed her finger at them without waiting for their speech—killing them all. "Blood and other parts of the body are so strange out here in space, huh?" she asked and poked at an eyeball that floated past her.

A dragon head manifested from behind her and charged up a powerful shot, Lapis pointed at the planet and said, "Boom~!" before the dragon head fired its shot at the planet, eliminating it, Lapis cheered at what she had done and absorbed its core again.

Ignia stared at the dragon head that had appeared. Lapis noticed and giggled.

"Do you like Ghidorah-chan~? I can make myself into a dragon now too, Ghido-chan is a dragon, right~? Well, whatever he is, I can transform into him and also still have my upper body near his chest. I wonder how daddy will feel about it~?"

She then clapped her hands and added, "If Death King-chan arrives on time, I can also absorb him and become even more powerful! Daddy will love me more, right?"

"…Hell if I know," replied Ignia.

Lapis suddenly hugged Ignia further annoying him. "Ah, I'll be a bit sad once you're gone, the same with Meruem-chan! But you two can live on in our memories! Daddy and I will get married and have kids, maybe even let mommy join too!"

Lapis began to drag Ignia off again, as she rambled on about her idyllic family.

…

<<…How far did you plan ahead, Nyarlathotep?>> Azathoth asked.

<<Fufufu~ I do wonder~? We both know how this will end. My love for Aaron transcends beyond your imagination, Mamazoth! So if I can have him become a 'Ruler', it works for both of us, right~?>> asked the outer god.

<<You aren't implying that you 'helped' him, are you?>> asked Azathoth.

<Fufu~ hmmm~ I'll let you interpret that however way you want. But it does help you, right~?>>

<<He will never see it that way, his hatred for you will only increase from here on out—and once he evolves…>>

<<I will die. I know we both saw it after all. Ah, at least he'll hold me for once. That rage and hatred he has for me…it's orgasmic~!>> Nyarlathotep shivered at the thought and began touching herself. <<Do you think he'll impregnate me?!>>

Azathoth looked away and sighed. She thought she could have a normal conversation with Nyarlathotep, but it always turns to her 'love' and lust for Aaron Toole. She also doesn't think Nyarlathotep understands 'love'. Azathoth herself also didn't, but looking through Cúntóir's eyes, she may have an idea of it.

Azathoth summoned a video feed in front of her. She watched Aaron take his final two tries. The counter for failures was already at 43 and he was currently on his 44th try.

<<Aaron-chan is hard at work, fufu, you really like putting him through a lot of hardships, don't you~?>> asked Nyarlathotep.

Azathoth didn't answer her and quietly watched everything happen for a few minutes. However, she decided to say something to Nyarlathotep.

<<You already knew how weak he was. It took him that long to move on from her death. He had no mental or emotional fortitude since he relied on Aoife, his mother and maid for so long. When one of them died and he bore the brunt of that bullying he shut down and resented everyone.>>

<<His papa-chan wasn't a help either~! He's a piece of shit~! I waaas tempted in messing with his soul buuuut I left it alone~!>> said Nyarlathotep.

<<What happens to him is in the hands of Aaron,>> Azathoth stated firmly and looked at Nyarlathotep.

<<Awwww Mamazoth looking out Aawon now~? Wuv is in da aiw~!>> she said mockingly and laughed.

…

Yumi Kira's Soliloquy

…

A couple of hours have passed since Aaron woke up and now he's disappeared again and left us to defend the world by ourselves. Apparently, Cúntóir sent out a small message to the Electa and his subordinates so they seemed even more energetic than last time. Right now, the Gremory peerage and the Stahlritter minus Lianne-sensei were in the Greek God's realm, we were helping in the defense of Little Olympia and Mount Olympus.

It seems that the tear in space-time opened in this realm, and we were nearest to it, so we decided to provide them some assistance. Kurousagi-san and Vera-san also joined us as they were goddesses that belong to two pantheons, and this was one of them.

Former President Rias told me and Akeno-san to help defend the Lamia's city, so we were currently there along with numerous shadow soldiers and the leader Alice and Senko-san. We heard of what was troubling Alice-san from Senko-san, so we decided to be near her in case it distracted her.

"Yumi-chan, I'll leave this area to you, I'll go to the east."

"Yes, good luck!" I replied.

We spent 200 years in Aaron's [Training Facility] and got stronger. However, it wasn't anything significant since the number of monsters that would spawn was limited since the space used there wasn't infinite or how Aaron revised it in our last visit to be procedurally generated. But it was useful for the rest as the majority of them broke through to at least God-class in power.

"Are you sure she will be fine?" asked Senko-san.

"Yes, Akeno-san is strong and she's even more motivated, so she'll be fine," I replied.

I slammed my foot to the ground and created millions of blades that ranged from holy, demonic, draconic, divine or a mix of them. The countless enemies in front of me were impaled by them, I saw Aaron and Tobio Ikuse-san do a move like that and I always wondered if I could do something similar.

I previously dismissed it since my Sacred Gear was limited, but since I merged both [Blade Blacksmith] and [Sword Birth] to [Blade Birth] there had been many things I wanted to experiment with it, other than just creating new swords.

I gestured with my hand and portals appeared behind me too, this time various blades appeared behind me and then I pointed forward, they then launched themselves towards the targets I pointed at. These blades would lock on to any opponent. They can only be stopped by destroying them or if the target is also killed, or if I will it to stop.

Suddenly, multiple magic circles appeared around us and elemental attacks were shot from them. They hit their intended targets and obliterated them; this was repeated a few times and I looked at Alice-san.

She had been doing this for the last hour or two. She uses powerful attacks like that, exhausts herself, takes a break and repeats. She on occasion takes the slime pills that were provided to us. Akeno-san and I advised her not to overuse them for her sake. At first, she listened to our warnings, but the longer this carries on, the more reckless she becomes.

Even now Senko-san had to intervene or she would hurt herself.

"Alice, stop you're overexerting yourself!" shouted Senko-san.

"I…have to…keep…going! If I don't…I can't join…Team [DxD]…!" she said in between breaths.

I don't know why she wants to join Team [DxD], it seems Senko-san knows about the reason as well as Lavinia and the Goddess Amalthea which I met earlier, but she's gone back to Mount Olympus because of Chief God Zeus' orders.

After jumping towards her, I landed beside her. "If that's your resolve then that's fine. However, I think Jin-senpai would say something like, 'It's fine if you want to join, but do it for the right reasons and not just revenge.' In a way, that's what he told me months ago," I told Alice-san. "So please pace yourself and be smart with the way you fight. You're powerful, Alice-san."

Alice-san stared at me for a few seconds before swallowing another slime pill. "…I can't show this unsightly side of me to my people. You're correct, Yumi Kira…however, I won't stop pursuing revenge against them," she said resolutely.

"That's fine, I never stopped my revenge, but aimed that hatred at the right source, but please don't endanger yourself just for it. You have Senko-san and if you join Team [DxD], we will also support you."

After that we continued our defense of the realm and it became easier with Alice-san started being smart with the way she used her powers and how much she used. In the end, we were successful, partially because there wasn't an endless amount being thrown at us by Trihexa or the tear in space-time since one of the [Electa] and G.o.B sealed it off.

We had gathered in Mount Olympus with several other gods there. Some of us had never met them face to face, however, thanks to the Greek Group and some of them spending time in Aaron's [Pocket Dimension] we had some relations with them.

"Rias Gremory thank you for helping our realm in such a dire time. I won't keep you long since you may need to deploy to a different realm soon, but you have all our thanks," said Zeus, the Chief God.

Hermes sighed and said, "Didn't we tell you they're reliable? I mean I and a few others are part of Team [DxD], Zeus-sama-chama~"

"Don't call me that, I'm your Chief God…" said Zeus as he stared at Hermes who just chuckled at him.

"Thank you, Zeus-sama. However, it wasn't just us as many of the residents in this realm also helped. It seems that Jin's [Hyperbolic Regenerative Chambers] helped quite a bit," replied Rias.

Just as they kept on talking, a magic circle appeared beside Akeno-san and she stepped away. I kept an eye on her as did Hephaestus-sama and Freyja-sama. It looked like Akeno-san was talking about something serious since her calm expression from earlier vanished and now she looked very concerned.

Akeno-san walked back to us and whispered something to Rias and her eyes also widened. "Excuse me, Zeus-sama, but we have to leave immediately," she told him.

"Hmm? May I ask why young Gremory?" He had a look of interest as he raised an eyebrow.

"An outbreak has occurred in the Underworld, and the unrest of the earlier darkness of the Rating Games has finally reached a breaking point and because of the temporary peace Jin made—the rebels finally began to move and they have invaded the territory of the Great King Bael," she calmly explained.

Zeus stroked his chin and nodded. "I see…so it's finally come. That was also broadcast here in our realm, to think such a thing was being down by those old devils. Nevertheless, I still look forward to 'that' in the future, with Jin, Sirzechs and Azazel the ones working on it, no such thing will occur…I rambled on for too long, go save your realm, young ones!"

The 'that' he was referring to must have been the Worldwide Rating Game that will happen in the future—most likely after Akeno-san, Rias, Sona-senpai and Aaron graduate. Everyone that knows about it is also looking forward to it.

"Thank you, and please don't hesitate to contact Team [DxD] or the alliance if something comes up," she told them and we left for the Underworld.

…

Third Person Point of View

…

At some point, this young man began to hate this sight. At first, he didn't like any normal person who was brought to this place—it was his home, his place of birth in a way.

Yet, gazing at the castle in front of him—the place he called home, only brought pain to his heart. However, he was quickly brought to a certain underground passageway by his guards.

This young man was the second son of the current head of the House of Bael. His name was Magdaran Bael. Approximately twenty minutes earlier, the Bael castle—his home was attacked by the rebels.

As a countermeasure for Trihexa (which was now dead), and for the Khaos (who was still at large), all of the Great King's side were in the middle of discussions with the local politicians. Under normal circumstances, the castle of the Bael city was second to none among the various other territories in the Underworld.

The reason for that was because it had more than fifty layers of barriers cast over it. The general consensus was that it would be compromised, but this castle has also boasted that it hadn't been compromised before, whether it was during the battle against the old government, or the recent 'Demonic Beast Riots'.

Currently, however, this castle is facing a crisis. The castle had suffered attacks that passed through or outright destroyed those powerful barriers. Whoever looked out of the windows of these passageways, it was possible for them to see various guards engaged in combat with the insurgents.

The guards of the Bael clan were slaughtered one after the other by the powers released by the masked insurgents. The elite guards of the Bael were powerless, and that clearly demonstrated how powerful and merciless these rebels were.

Magdaran also saw how the bright flowers he had planted in the courtyard were being destroyed by these relentless attacks.

When such an attack happened, Magdaran couldn't help but wonder why, but it didn't take him long to come to his own conclusions. The reasons were clear as day. However, if he had to pick a reason, it should have been about the criticisms of the [King] piece, as well as the complaints and miscounts in the Rating Games.

Magdaran himself did not participate in these Games. So even if there were misconducts in the Games, he could carry on his life without any issues since it didn't involve him, which is why he initially didn't see it as a problem.

They had also tried to conceal the truth from the citizens, which is why he didn't think such a response would result in these events from happening. However, he also knew that it would eventually be leaked.

Yet he had never imagined that it would be the Champion himself that would tell the entire Underworld the truth of the Rating Games.

As he and his guards kept running through the corridors, ahead of them was someone who released a strange and powerful aura, and he wore jet-black armor.

Alerted by this, his guards gathered around to protect him. However, Magdaran seemed to recognize the person who was clad in the armor and he gestured for his guards to stop.

"You are…one of Sona Sitri-dono's peerage members. The Great Dragon King Genshirou," said Magdaran.

Yes, in front of them was Sona's [Pawn], formerly a human who turned reincarnated devil, and now clad in jet-black armor, Saji Genshirou. Saji released his helmet exposing his face. Saji was taken aback by the strange yet cool moniker. He felt a strange excitement boil deep inside of him, but he pushed it back.

"So you're Master Sairaorg's…the next head of the family's younger brother, right? I'm a [Pawn] of Sona Sitri's peerage and I came to help out," said Saji. "I also brought over a couple of hundred shadow soldiers that belong to Jin-san, so rest assured you'll get out of here safely."

Magdaran understood that it was due to his brother, the devils of [DxD] or their leader. But to him, they had rushed over to the Underworld once they heard of the crisis it was dealing with.

"[DxD], huh? I never imagined that I would receive help from them," said Magdaran. Confused by this, Saji tilted his head questioningly. Magdaran added, "It is of great help, I thank you."

The y quickly planned an escape plan to leave the Bael city. This plan entailed Saji would be in the lead while various shadow soldiers would pacify the civilians and suppress the rebellion across the whole territory.

Magdaran's own peerage had also gone out, and the Bael castle was left with just his [Queen]. However, even now that [Queen] had also gone out to ensure that they had a safe escape route prior to Saji joining them.

In order to discuss the countermeasures against the Khaos Order and their war against their universe, Lord Bael had left to meet with the First Generation Bael, Zekram Bael who lived in seclusion. Lady Bael had left two days earlier to seek refuge somewhere else.

The next Head of the house, Sairaorg had left the territory as a member of the anti-terrorist team, [DxD]. In other words, this Bael castle didn't have its Lord, Lady, or even the next heir. Instead, all it had was their second son, Magdaran.

The Great King's side that was respected by the current Satans, and even the Lord's castle was now empty, a sarcastic smile spread across Magdaran's face when he thought about the situation.

To Magdaran, he found it funny, ironic even. It's always been like that after all. Whenever a serious or life-altering decision had to be made, his father, Lord Bael would rush over to the place where the previous generation and first generation had secluded themselves to, and then ask for their advice.

Regardless of whether it was a political affair or familiar affair, he had never made a single decision on his own. Hence, why, as long as he protected his pride and appearance, even his wife and children could be discarded without hesitation.

Because he had not inherited the [Power of Destruction], his half-brother had once been abandoned in the outskirts of the Bael territory. The second son Magdaran had been born with the [Power of Destruction], hence Sairaorg had been banished and he was selected as the next heir early on in life.

Magdaran, who had been brought up with the sole purpose of being the next family head had been strictly educated ever since he was young. Magdaran's combat strength wasn't very high, but since he had inherited the [Power of Destruction], he didn't have to train too hard.

There were people with an even stronger [Power of Destruction] who were born in a family outside of the House of Bael, thus Magdaran was always compared to the Gremory siblings. Even before them, Asteri Bael was their trump card and ace. She was the strongest female to ever exist within their clan, with Venelana Bael coming to a close second.

However, he had always lived in a strict educational environment, thus making Magdaran despise Sirzechs, Rias, Asteri and Venelana. They seemed to have a much less strict upbringing, yet he had to suffer through all of it alone. It was not long after that he found out what the Heads of the House were thinking and he began to despise them too.

Then one day, his world changed. His half-brother Sairaorg returned from the outskirts, and declared that he desired the position of being the next Head of the House. The current head, his father and the first-generation head laughed at Sairaorg. A Bael who didn't possess the [Power of Destruction] trying to say that was complete nonsense.

The current head originally wanted to cast aside his brother's words as a joke. However, he decided to use this as an opportunity to truly severe their parent-child relationship, and ordered Magdaran to be his opponent.

However, a few minutes after the beginning of the match to become the next Head of the house, it was his brother's overwhelming victory. Lying on the ground was Magdaran, the one who had inherited the [Power of Destruction].

Magdaran was powerless. The speed and power of his brother who had trained his body had exceeded all their expectations, and he completely disregarded Magdaran's [Power of Destruction]. His father, the current Head of the House also looked at him, but with a gaze that said he was looking at a pile of trash. And ever since then, a strange life has begun in the Bael castle.

The Bael family members who lived within the castle only consisted of our people: his father as the current Head of the House, his second wife and the mother of Magdaran, his brother Sairaorg who had become the next Head of the House, and the second son who had the position taken away from him, Magdaran.

Regardless of whether it was during meals or other activities, there were only these people. As the current head, his father was reluctant to acknowledge the eldest son and constantly asked the previous generation and first generation for advice on the decision.

The mother, whose son had the position of the next Head of the House taken away from him held a bitter grudge and did not conceal her dissatisfaction with living together with the eldest son.

Magdaran who had received the education for becoming the next head was now forced to assist his brother, the one who had taken away his position. Every time they sat down for a meal, there was no conversation as they ate in silence.

His mother retreated early each time. His mother felt despair at her husband and child, and hatred towards Sairaorg, but still did not let go of her position as the Bael wife. Naturally, aside from the government affairs, only Magdaran's peerage would talk to him. His father and mother would not talk to him at home.

No, that was wrong. Ever since he began to be brought up as the next Head of the House, he had never received the love that a child should have. At best he was seen as the 'Next Great King of Bael', and nothing else.

He once attended the meetings between the children of nobles, and one of their sons had said to Magdaran, 'It was really comfortable when my mother cleaned out my ears.'

Ear cleaning. Magdaran had never received any affection from his own mother since birth. The only ones around him were either maids or butlers. So the idea of getting one's ears cleaned was foreign to him.

There were some children who had gone with their families to have fun on the beaches of the human world. Aside from inspecting the Bael territory, Magdaran had never embarked on a trip outside of the Bael territory, let alone having a holiday together with his family.

In the end, what was a family? To Magdaran, this castle, this resident and those who had the blood of Bael flowing through them...this was what 'family was to him.

In the end, he himself didn't understand what kind of person he was. He was born as the second son, and also raised as the next head, but that was taken away from him, he was then treated like a person that shouldn't exist, to him, every day it became even more painful when he thought about it like that.

He no longer understood the meaning of his own life, he didn't know his own fate, and he hated this Bael castle and everyone in it. However, at some point, unknown to him, several people started reaching out to him. First, his blood relative that lived with him, his half-brother Sairaorg.

"How have you been recently?" he asked. He was confused at first, but replied to his half-brother nonetheless.

"Speaking of which, this has become quite popular within our territory!" another strange topic was started by him. However, he listened to him.

"There's this man called Jin Skyward in Team [DxD]. He's the leader, a man I respect and consider my rival and best friend. I think you should meet him someday," he was told.

However, towards all of these things that his brother said, Magdaran would only stiffly reply with, 'I see', 'Yes', or 'Oh'. Magdaran acknowledged that his brother was strong, amazingly strong, that he didn't even think about trying to regain the position of head.

Magdaran didn't know anything outside of the Bael lifestyle as he had been educated in their castle since he was young. The only area where he stood out more than others was his detailed knowledge and understanding of plants.

Since he was young, Magdaran was particularly fond of plants and flowers. There were beautiful purple flowers blooming throughout the city of Bael. Those flowers were also planted in the courtyard.

They had become extinct once before during the war between the Three Factions. Through an investigation, Magdaran discovered seeds which were preserved in good condition, and used modern techniques to revive them.

Everyone in the Bael family had purple eyes. Hence, purple was also regarded as their family color. Magdaran didn't think that there was anything more suitable than to include this flower in the Bael emblem. In addition to that, he cultivated a rare type of apple.

Magdaran continued with his research on plants. It wouldn't be surprising if many of Magdaran's studies received recognition, however, what he received was a warning to mind his own deeds from the current head of the Great King House.

The Great King's House was symbolized by destruction, so the proposal of plant research was simply shameful to them. His Mother had never once praised him, she had never once tried the apples which he had grown. The only one who was willing to listen was—his brother Sairaorg.

Sairaorg sent Magdaran's flowers and fruits to places within Bael territory to sell. While cheerily eating the apples which his younger brother had grown.

Sairaorg said, 'Apples are a specialty in Bael territory. The apples that you've grown could even become the finest in the Underworld and perhaps the supernatural world. I think you can definitely do it. Jin is setting up his own restaurant. Maybe we can send him samples and maybe he could add these to his menu in the form of a dessert or drink?'

Magdaran shook his head and cleared away the memories of his past conversations with his brother, and continued to move through the passageways.

Until today, whether it was his brother or family, whether it was flowers or the power of destruction, he didn't need to bother himself with those things. If Trihexa and the Khaos Order destroyed the Underworld, he could do nothing but obediently accept that fate.

It had already been a few minutes since they began moving through the castle, and up ahead of them was the rear gate that Magdaran had come in through. Beyond the gate was a vast open space, with a very high ceiling.

This place could be called a shelter for civilians who sought temporary refuge. The rear gate was in front of them, but Saji who was in front of them released his aura and changed into a fighting stance.

Ahead of them lay an ominous atmosphere. Saji focused his senses and he felt that someone was already waiting beyond the rear gate. However, in front of them lay someone that Magdaran was familiar with.

A gray-haired man dressed in a cloak and light armor lay there in a pool of blood. This man was Magdaran's [Queen], Sectaas Barbatos. He originated from the House of Barbatos which belonged to the 72 Pillars. They quickly went over to him.

"Sectaas! Are you okay?!" shouted Magdaran worriedly.

Upon hearing his [King]'s voice, his [Queen] looked up and coughed up fresh blood from his mouth. Yet he still prioritized his master's life.

"…Please hurry and get away," he told them weakly.

Magdaran and his guards checked on the [Queen]'s injuries and their face turned grim. His entire upper and lower body had been pierced by shots of demonic energy, and if this had continued, he would have died of blood loss.

Despite it being utterly useless, Magdaran tore his clothing and bandaged Sectaas' body with it. However, as he continued, Saji stopped him and brought out a single blue pill.

"Eat this, it will heal you," he said. Magdaran's [Queen] opened his mouth and ate the pill. Seconds later all his injuries began to disappear and he regained his stamina too.

A person beyond the gate applauded upon seeing that. "Truly praiseworthy. It's inconceivable to imagine that the Great King would display such behavior. Perhaps you're different, like Sairaorg Bael," said the voice.

They entered the rear gate only to be greeted by a blonde-haired gentleman dressed in a noble's attire. From his facial features, he appeared to be around thirty years old. However, devils were able to change how they looked, so the age and their appearance wasn't always accurate.

Yet everyone there knew who this man was. It was because they had seen him plenty of times on television. He was quite famous too. The gentleman dressed in the noble's attire bowed politely to them.

"Good day," he greeted them.

Magdaran frowned and said, "Ranked third in the Rating Games…Bedeze Abaddon-dono."

This man was a professional Rating Game player, and ranked third, Bedeze Abaddon. He was an Extra Demon from the House of Abaddon. He was also the mastermind behind the attack on this Bael castle. The ominous aura and killing intent that seeped out of his body could clearly be felt.

"You wouldn't be the current head's second son, would you? I would like to see the current head and previous generations. If possible, could you introduce them to me?" asked Bedeze.

"Unfortunately, my father and the previous generations are not here, and there is also no reason for a traitor to meet with the Great King Bael," replied Magdaran.

Bedeze smiled bemusedly in response to Magdaran's words.

Saji weighed his options. He could take out the third ranked in the Rating Games right here, right now, perhaps even arrest him. But he didn't have any techniques like that. At best, he would need to knock him unconscious and proceed from there.

He also had the advantage of surprise since Bedeze had no idea of his new power, so one successful surprise attack should give him the win. But at the same time, he wanted to know why Bedeze Abaddon chose to use the [King] piece.

Magdaran asked Bedeze, "Could you tell me your purpose for coming here?"

"I have spoken to the Great King a number of times in the past. Since Diehauser has exposed everything, I too want them to feel the darkness that's been boiling beneath. The citizens of the Underworld will also witness it," replied Bedeze.

Magdaran couldn't help but sigh at what he heard. He then turned to Saji and whispered, "Where are your teammates?"

"The rest of the Sitri peerage are fighting against those masked people all around the Bael territory. Many of them were quite skilled so I assume that they were part of Bedeze Abaddon's peerage," replied Saji.

Magdaran nodded. If Bedeze Abaddon were to come here personally he would bring his own army and his own peerage. The sounds of explosions and battle that could be heard around them must have been from them. However, Saji continued.

"Sairaorg and his peerage will also arrive soon," he told Magdaran. He did not react much, but acknowledged Saji with a nod. He wasn't sure if his brother would make it on time, and he was unsure if they could defeat the ranked third of the Rating Games. It would be as if they were fighting a Satan.

"Bedeze Abaddon-sama, can I ask you a question?" Saji asked.

Amused, Bedeze smirked and nodded. "You are from Sona Sitri's peerage, correct? That aura of yours…I remember it from the video recording I saw from the youths Rating Game. Speak your mind, young devil. However, I also have things to ask you in return."

"…Why did you use the [King] piece?" he asked simply.

Bedeze Abaddon was briefly stunned before he broke out into laughter. However, he quickly stopped and stared at Saji seriously.

"I have status and power as I was born of high-class. All that I lacked was the talent to become an Ultimate-class devil. This led to me obtaining and using it for this reason. With that power, I became third-ranked in the Rating Games. I finally gained honor!"

"Was it because I used illegitimate means? Perhaps, but the matches between the top rankers were carried out with balance in mind. Aside from Diehauser, the wins and losses of other people were a balance. Of course, there were also many matches that weren't supervised like that. However, I also won't deny that I knew those players had certain agreements in those matches."

"Let me ask you this, boy! Your master, Sona Sitri, she wishes to establish a school where any devil can attend, correct?" he asked.

Saji silently nodded.

Bedeze placed his hand on his chin and nodded, then said, "I see, being able to learn strategy and tactics is important to some extent. However, attempting to reach the position of Champion is impossible. More accurately, it would be impossible to even reach the Top Five, so I wouldn't get your hopes up."

"...Why do you say that?" asked Saji.

"Because I have first-hand experience of it! Listen to me well, boy! Regardless of the era we are in, the person who becomes the Champion is someone who possesses an extremely abnormal and absolute power!"

"If I had to speak of your generation, then it's quite clear, no? The Legendary Dual Dragon Emperor, he far exceeds the Champion himself! If he were a devil, he would definitely be labeled as a 'Super Devil' much like the two Satans."

"Ordinary people like us cannot touch them. We are inferior in every way to those monsters—Jin Skyward and Diehauser Belial. In order for us to compete, we must use underhanded means! Hence why I used the [King] piece!"

Everyone was left stunned by Bedeze's speech. However, Saji's blood boiled. Not only did he insult his master's dream, but he also insulted the school they wished to create together.

Saji knew that hard work wouldn't betray you. Even if his original potential was changed by Aaron, he was also told that those potential could also be increased naturally by Cúntóir. He got to his strength by working hard for all those years. So he believed that those children he saw could also achieve power someday.

"The public has already accepted the existence of the [King] piece, so why don' they protect the Great King?" asked Magdaran.

Bedeze sneered at his question. "Because my fans also came to ask me. Under the current circumstances and since it's difficult to conceal the truth of the misconduct, I just need to overturn the source of the misconduct."

"So by removing the heads of the Great King, I'll assert to the civilians that I have disposed of the culprits behind this incident." Bedeze's eyes exuded pure greed. He simply wanted everything and would do anything to keep his position.

"The civilians are stupid. As long as I give them a sob story, and tell them I was being exploited by the Great King's side, and that I took down the heads of the House of Bael in order to rid myself of those troubles, they'll certainly offer me their support after the initial surprise, no?"

"It's quite obvious that they hate scandals involving those in the upper-class of our race. So they'll be happier than anything to heard about the disgrace of the nobles. Especially if the Great King faction which is politically opposed to the Satan's side."

"Some politicians will appear to be apologetic on the surface, so the audience will simply compliment my actions. I win in the end, won't I?" he said with a smirk.

As long as Bedeze Abaddon could protect his own honor, he was willing to fabricate this so-called 'justice' to manipulate the public's opinion and project himself as an ally of justice. With his hands stained by the misconduct, the plan that this man came up with was extremely simple. Magdaran himself was quite surprised by the sinister and sinful nature of the third ranker.

"...I see, so the politicians have been set up," said Magdaran.

Even the politicians of the Underworld were drawn to his plans. There were many politicians who were opposed to the Great King's faction or the Great King's politicians. Although they didn't belong to the Satan's side, there did exist politicians who had ideas even more radical than the Satans.

To them, this scandal was an excellent opportunity for them to act. Even if this attack didn't occur, they would be subjected to impeachment during parliament sessions.

Bedeze then turned towards Saji Genshirou and asked a question, "Youth of Sona Sitri's peerage, won't you cooperate with me? Could you also forward this information to your friends?"

Bedeze's intentions were to have him assist in taking down the heads of the Great King. They were the ones who were heavily opposed in the creation of the Rating Game school that anyone could attend.

Even if the next head, Sairaorg appeared to be working together with Sona Sitri, the current head and the politicians were constantly hunting for opportunities that would exploit them to destroy all of their efforts.

"...This is way too unacceptable. This way of doing things is...just wrong. You're the third in the rankings of the Rating Games, if you do this, there will definitely be fans who would be saddened by it!"

Saji's response was straightforward. He did not think of the politicians, nor the situation of the higher-ups. They were simply the thoughts of a disgruntled teenager, still privy to the world of politics.

"The Champion Diehauser brought to light the truth of the misconduct, and as ranked third, I was pointed out as a culprit. Don't you think this is a worthwhile opportunity?" asked Bedeze.

Saji shook his head and began to speak about many things. However, Bedeze didn't have any interests in the ramblings of a child, so he mostly ignored them. He finally put his hand up to stop Saji from speaking.

"You are the comrade of the Dual Dragon Emperor, are you not? He...what does he have? As the famous Oppai Dragon that's supported by the Underworld, as well as his status as the Middleman, isn't he just a glorified mercenary?"

"If we look at it closely, he is being used by everyone for very little gain. To me, it's rather funny, he's a fool to the extreme. That kid has no idea how the world works and he does this work for nearly free?"

"Peace? Unity? What a load of nonsense. If such things were possible, don't you think it would have been already achieved? A child like him trying to achieve it is impossible. It's been a waste of time, like this conversation we are having," said Bedeze with a sigh.

He looked at Saji one more time and added, "Effort is nothing more than a dream given to the fools by the stupid government. Especially in our society, those who were born with power will always stand at the top. No matter how hard you train, you cannot match them. Your school, your dreams and that foolish dragon, they're all wasting their time."

Saji's blood boiled. "You hold him in contempt? This past year he's worked hard to make this alliance a reality! Do you have any idea how many people's lives he's made better because of it?! Don't look down on my master's dreams either, it's definitely possible! Hard work has never betrayed anyone and I'll prove it right now!" screamed Saji.

A powerful aura covered Saji's entire body as he equipped his helmet back on. Saji extended his tentacles towards Bedeze who remained calm. He then gestured with his hand in front of him and a [Hole] appeared. This was the Abaddon clan's special trait.

The tentacles that Saji had extended were sucked into the [Hole] and when it closed, they were cut. Bedeze looked at Saji with a bored expression and asked, "Is that all? The hard work you preached so much about?"

"No, this is," replied Saji sharply as he slammed his fist into Bedeze Abaddon's back. The third ranker had no idea what had just happened. His body flew far into the air and slammed into the ground.

He quickly got up and stared at the young devil in disbelief. "What did you do?!" he shouted. 'I couldn't see or feel him! What did he do? Does he have some kind of special ability in addition to the Sacred Gear?' he asked himself.

"What's wrong, can't keep up?" asked Saji as he slammed his knee into his face again. Bedeze was unable to keep up with Saji's speed and was once again hit by the youth. The ones watching behind them were also equally stunned.

Saji didn't let up as he continued his assault on Bedeze. The third ranker and Ultimate-class devil was stunned at the situation. He couldn't react in time because of the young devil's speed. The hits he received were as powerful as an Ultimate-class or higher devils! To him, this level of power coming from the youth shouldn't be true! He didn't want to believe it!

Saji finally ended his assault with a punch to Bedeze's face. He made sure not to use too much power, otherwise he'd risk killing the man, so he held back. Bedeze was badly beaten as his face and body had multiple bruises and he bled all over. However, he had his pride as the third ranked player of the Rating Games, he didn't want to fall like this.

He created multiple [Hole]'s and jumped into them. As he did, Saji closed his eyes and stood still. He began to feel the flow of energy around him, both life energy and demonic energy. Saji could use touki with the help of Aaron, Shirone, Kuroka and Sairaorg he managed to unlock the use of it.

A [Hole] opened beneath him and he jumped away. However, another appeared at the spot he jumped and Bedeze came out of it. Two more appeared on his sides and demonic attacks flew from them. Saji covered his hand in touki and slammed both his fists to the side, stopping and destroying the attacks. He followed it up by gathering flames in his belly and shooting out [Blaze Black Flames] from his mouth, hitting Bedeze and making the devil shriek.

"As expected of Saji Genshirou, his powers and instincts have only risen," said a voice. All of them turn to it and found Sairaorg Bael clocked in golden lion armor.

"Sairaorg-san!" Saji shouted while looking at Bedeze who was still in flames.

"Saji, will you let me do the honors?" he asked. Saji nodded and removed the flames from Bedeze. His skin and face had been badly damaged and he looked at the two young devils in front of him with rage.

Bedeze hated the smile both Saji and Sairaorg had, and he hit his limit. "Listen up, young rookies, you should remember what I'm about to say. The Rating Games are a noble's Game! It's a form of entertainment only for the upper class. Low-class Reincarnated Devils who do not have talent, wealth, or status delude themselves with enjoying the Rating Games, it's really such a joke!" he bellowed at them.

Sairaorg crossed his arms and shouted, "I refuse!"

Bedeze in doubt said, "What did you say?"

"I will never deny the way that I've lived my life up until now! The path I've traveled is my pride! You want me to throw away all of the pain, regret, laughter, joy, victory, and defeat that I've had until now!? I reject this! These two fists, this body, this soul, and my peerage, are all treasures that I've obtained through my hard work! Discarding that for false talent is something I will never do!"

As Sairaorg said that, Saji had used this opportunity to create long tentacles of [Delete Field] and [Absorption Line] and had them sneak their way around Bedeze who was distracted.

"Not only me, Saji Genshirou here, my comrades in Team [DxD] and the Dual Dragon Emperor Jin Skyward are the same! The strength we gained through hard and vigorous work, we won't let you deny us that! You want to let them discard all of the harsh things that they've experienced in the past year and have them pursue something like that!? Well, regardless of whether you're an experienced competitor or a puppet of the old devils, I will defeat you right here without a shred of hesitation!"

Sairaorg then turned to his brother and then back to Bedeze. "Also, I won't let you hurt my little brother." A smile adorned his face which further angered Bedeze.

Magdaran stood there stunned. A feeling deep within him boiled. Even after the way he treated him, after the way his family treated him, he still chose to protect him.

'Brother…I vowed I wouldn't call him that…'

He had already decided not to call him that. Magdaran still hadn't forgotten about the time when the position of next Head of the House was taken away from him. But what surfaced in Magdaran's mind was a childhood memory.

Although it was only for a few years, he had followed behind Sairaorg, the time when he would play with his brother every day. Together in the Bael castle, they ran within the courtyard, they played together every day in the secret base that they had created in the Bael castle…

'I can't afford to call him that…' he repeated to himself.

One day, in order to find a rare flower, Magdaran ventured to a mountain near the Bael castle and was attacked by demonic beasts. He had come out alone without guards. It was easy for that demonic beast to take Magdaran's life.

At that time, his brother Sairaorg rushed over to save Magdaran. In order to protect him, he bravely stood in front of the demonic beast, while he himself watched his brother's back.

'I can't possibly call him that.'

The words of his brother back then lingered in his mind.

'Get away from my precious brother! I'll be your opponent!'

Protecting his own brother's body—it was worth boasting about more than anything else, and he was cooler than anyone else was.

'You're my precious younger brother. I'll definitely protect you, and defeat the opponent in front of you!'

"Bro…ther…! I was wrong! I've done something unforgivable to you! I genuinely felt contempt for you, someone who couldn't inherit the [Power of Destruction]. I truly hated you; you took away the position of next head from me! I hated you! I hated you so much that I wanted to kill you!" shouted Magdaran.

Everything he said was true. He really hated him, he hated his brother, he wanted to kill him. His brother's victory back then denied him of a certain life, so how could he possibly accept it?

"I'm a despicable person…I secretly scorned you and I tried to sabotage you several times. You should have noticed, yet you didn't do anything to me when I was like that! You never even said any words that ridiculed me!"

Sairaorg knew all of that, yet it overshadowed the love he had for his younger brother. He could never hate him. Because he understood…

"I took away the position of head from you. I did it to prove my strength to the people who had forsaken me, so it was all for the sake of my selfishness. That's why I decided, as long as there is dissatisfaction towards me, I will accept it all!"

"Whether that was mother-in-law, or you, no matter how deep your resentment is, I will gladly accept all of it! …Also, you're my younger brother. What kind of older brother would I be if I resented you for that?"

"Magdaran! I also need to apologize to you. I've caused you a lot of pain. I was such a useless brother, please forgive me," said Sairaorg.

Tears fell from Magdaran's eyes. 'I liked flowers and plants. Compared to when I was the next head, I wanted to be a botanist even more. But having been born with the [Power of Destruction], I had no choice but to become the next head.'

'Allowing the purple flowers to regrow, nurturing rare apples, not a single Bael praised me, except…my brother and those two…!'

His younger brother's achievements should have spread through the Underworld. Yet at the start only his brother accepted him. However, later on Asteri Gremory and Venelana Gremory reached out to him, they accepted him too.

Even when he ignored the letters, even when he didn't respond to them, they kept on writing. He understood—Magdaran understood how foolish he had been and cried harder. There were people out there that would show him genuine love and compassion…

"…Brother! Please win! You're my brother, the next head of the House of Bael, please let me see it! The [Destruction] our house is known for!" he shouted at his brother.

After hearing the plea from his brother Sairaorg smiled. "I hear you loud and clear, Magdaran! Saji!"

"Roger!" replied Saji as his tentacles latched onto Bedeze who had managed to stand up at that point.

"What is this?!" he shouted and tried to blast away at the tentacles with his demonic power but they did nothing. He tried his hole, but they were canceled when Saji used his [Blaze Black Flames] through his tentacles.

"Bedeze Abaddon-dono. Come and experience the single blow I've spent my life on. Feel the combined might of the Lion King and Dragon King," Sairaorg declared to him while clenching his fist.

Sairaorg and Saji increase their aura and touki around their body! The dark purple touki around Saji slowly gathered around his left arm, and formed the shape of a dragon's head.

"Regulus, let us go forth!" shouted Sairaorg.

[Yes! If your body wills it, we will destroy them with this divine body!]

Responding to its master's call, the eyes of the lion on his chest unleashed a dazzling light. His touki increased even more, and it filled the entire space. Sairaorg then recited a powerful chant.

"This body, this soul, even if it falls into an endless ravine!"

[My Lord and I, we will exhaust this body and this soul to rise up the endless royal road!]

"Raze, triumph, play, and shine!"

[This is the body of a Demonic Beast!]

"Lodged on top of my fist, is the glorious imperial authority!"

His touki whipped up an intense cyclone, and at the rear gate, a gust formed and blew up countless numbers of purple flower petals. The purple flowers that were found all over the Bael castle, the purple flowers that proudly bloomed, followed the wind and danced around Sairaorg.

[Dance!]

"Dance!"

"[Bloom!!!]"

Magdaran suddenly recalled the time when they were young and he was attacked by a demonic beast; his brother came to rescue him, and the two of them ran away desperately through that mountain.

The final place that they ran to was a sea of flowers in full bloom. There, a gust of wind blew past them, and the colorful petals which were blown up danced in the air. To him at the time and even now…it looked beautiful.

"[Breakdown The Beast, Climb Over!!!]"

With that final chant, his power erupted around them! Standing there was Sairaorg cloaked in new armor of a highly aggressive lion.

It was a new armor with a dual-toned gold and purple appearance. The gold armor was accompanied by a purple touki that enveloped Sairaorg. Even Magdaran who was far from it felt an overwhelming chill as a result of its magnitude.

[Regulus Rey Leather Rex Imperial Purpure] or [The Invincible Purple Skin of the Lion King] is the [Breakdown the Beast] of [Regulus Nemea]. Similar to [Juggernaut Drive], it releases the power of the Nemean Lion, at the cost of using its owner's life-force as the power source. However, this was modified by Aaron during their 100 years stay so it only used Sairaorg's stamina and demonic power.

Sairaorg took a single step and he threw a punch. Bedeze managed to put his hand up and create a [Hole], but to his utter shock and horror, it destroyed the [Hole] and the shockwave created by Sairaorg's punch hit him in the gut, forcing him to puke out blood.

"Saji!" Sairaorg shouted as he gathered a large amount of touki around his right arm. Saji shouted in response and put his left arm next to Sairaorg. The touki around his right arm formed into the head of a lion both gold and purple in color.

"Bedeze Abaddon-dono, your ambitions will be crushed by our fists. These fists were attained through hard work and training," said Sairaorg.

"This is stupid! No such thing exists! Only the chosen—the ones born with power can attain such strength!!" roared Bedeze.

"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!" Sairaorg and Saji shouted at the same time as they thrust their fists forward. The head of the lion and the dragon combined into a large attack that decimated their surroundings as well as the castle in the vicinity.

The screams of Bedeze Abaddon were heard by all, and the explosion kept on getting larger until it suddenly vanished. What was left was a badly injured Bedeze as he lay there unconscious. The battle was over. Not too long after that, both Bael and Sitri peerages reported that they had apprehended and defeated the rebels within this Bael castle.

In other parts of the territory both the Agares and Gremory peerages also helped defend the Great King against other rebels who were unsatisfied with things. However, soon after they would receive very troubling news…

…

The battle between Sairaorg, Saji and Bedeze had concluded. Once it was done both Saji and Sairaorg released their armors to save their stamina. At the same time the fighting around them also seemed to quieten down. Just then Saji received a message from his girlfriend Ruruko confirming that they had apprehended the rebels.

"It looks like they succeeded in capturing the rest of the rebels over here, Sairaorg-san, Magdaran-san," Saji told them.

But as both brothers went to speak, a lone rebel appeared out of nowhere and charged at them. Both Sairaorg and Saji got ready to stop him when the rebel suddenly fell to the ground after an attack hit him.

They turned their heads towards the person who attacked the rebel and found another person there. From the rear gate emerged another helper. It was a woman with two horns on her head and long wavy cheery colored hair.

She wore a seductive dress with high slits, and appeared to be around twenty years old. Everyone present immediately recognized her. She looked at the unconscious Bedeze and sighed.

"I heard that Bedeze was attacking one of the Bael castles, so I rushed over to stop him, but it looks like it's already over," said the woman.

Roygun Belphegor, ranked second in the Rating Games, and one of the top competitors. She was also the current head of the House of Belphegor. Along with Serafall Leviathan, Grayfia Lucifuge and Asteri Gremory, she was revered as one of the few strong beauties of the Underworld.

She narrowed her eyes once she saw Bedeze on the ground. "Like him, I used the [King] piece, and I'm also part of the cases of misconduct. However, Lion King-kun, Dragon King-kun, I don't have any regrets about that power and status."

"But I won't be like Bedeze and try to spread lies throughout the Underworld to pin the blame on someone else. I just wanted the strength to compete on that stage. That's the only thing I ever wanted. Aside from the forced matches of the higher-ups, I really enjoyed the Games."

Similarly to Diehauser Belial, her love of Rating Games was genuine. Even after being confronted by Aaron months ago, she still pursued this career and didn't expose the truth herself. That's how much she loved the Games.

"Right now, during this turbulent time, I will assist you in fighting those rebels. After…you can do to me however you wish," she told them seriously.

She then turned to Sairaorg and asked, "Lion King-kun, do you like the Rating Games?"

Faced with a sudden question like that, Sairaorg didn't know how to respond. Roygun smiled lightly and added, "I love the Rating Games. Diehauser is also the same. That man loves the Games more than anything. However, I apologize. From the first rank through to the third rank, all of us were stupid in our own way. Maybe I should have listened to Jin-kun all those months ago, perhaps I should have exposed it earlier…"

After she said those words, she lifted Bedeze up and handed him over to the guards who were on standby near the rear gate. A feeling of regret and loneliness could be felt from Roygun Belphegor's body language.

"Sairaorg-sama! Magdaran-sama!" a voice shouted forcing them all to turn that way.

They say a guard running towards them, their face was pale and their entire body shivered. Once he arrived in front of them, he began to pant heavily.

"What happened? Calm down and report to us," said Sairaorg. The panicked guard readjusted their breathing and nodded to themselves, they still looked horrified though.

"Y-yes…t-they Khaos Order! It seems like they've finally launched a full-scale attack on the human world. There were reports of multiple armies, monsters and another Trihexa has appeared around and above earth!" the guard told them.

The whole area became silent, none of them quite sure how to react to the news. Until—

"T-those bastards are actually…?!"

Just then, both Saji and Sairaorg received a message from Elyscia.

[All current members and teams of [DxD] come back to Jin's home residence for a team meeting. Other factions and leaders will be part of this meeting. Please come here ASAP.]

"Brother, Saji Genshirou please go, leave the rest to us and Roygun Belphegor-san. Team [DxD] needs you two," said Magdaran.

"Roygun Belphegor-dono, I entrust my brother to you. I also hope you stay true to your word. We shall leave, Saji!" said Sairaorg.

"Yes, Master!" replied Saji.

…

[Trials of Memories Past – Failed (1791 Times)]

[Trials: 6/7]

[Body Restoration: 80%]

[Evolution Progress: 1/2 – 90%]

[Try Again?]

[Yes/No]

"It's not impossible, right…?" Aaron asked himself while sitting cross-legged. He had failed a total of 1791 times. He had tried different ways of passing this test, but they all failed and Aaron had stayed in his 'bedroom' for the past 30 minutes trying to come up with a plan.

He sighed and fell back on his pillows. "No…I can't think of anything—maybe I need Cúntóir's breasts again…" he shook his head and sighed. "No, no, I can't start acting stupid now…well, at least I'm not crying at it anymore—I'm numb as hell to it all."

"Damn dude, you're really struggling, huh?" asked a voice. Aaron immediately bolted up from his bed and looked around and found a figure standing there with a smirk on his face.

"Y-you…" he stuttered out, unable to process this.

"Yo! All-mighty God-King Ryan is here to help your sorry ass," said Ryan and put his hand up.

"What the hell?! How are you here!? Also, you're alive-dead?!" shouted Aaron.

Ryan walked over and smacked Aaron on the head. "Pick one you dumbass! No, I'm currently dead, and I got contacted by Azathoth of all people, who knew the outer gods and all of this shit were real, huh? I heard about everything, Aaron! Or do you want me to call you Dual Dragon Emperor?" he asked with a smirk.

"Shut up…" mumbled Aaron.

"So? What part are you strugglin' with? I know you don't have all of your memories yet," asked Ryan.

"…It was during our final year and the last two months. I can't get out of it, no matter how hard I try. I've done everything from kindness to outright killing everyone…that was a bit therapeutic I won't lie," replied Aaron.

"Okay, so…slaughtering everyone won't do it, never try it again you retard," said Ryan and lightly smacked Aaron on the head again.

"Die in a pit you frog fucker. Anyway, can YOU give me a hint? Cúntóir wouldn't give me one, but I got inspiration from sucking on her tits," explained Aaron.

Ryan sighed and then laughed. "Leave it to Toole to get inspiration from sucking on a woman's tits. Ah…you did something similar with Aoife before one of our Christmas projects, man we didn't expect that."

"Huh?"

"Never mind, you still don't remember that along with other things. Anyway, you can go to anyone's house, right? Or place, right?" asked Ryan and Aaron nodded. "Go check on our stupid little base. I'm pretty sure Aoife left something there. Also, ask her parents if you can check her room, since she probably left a bunch of things for you."

Ryan turned around and sighed before walking away. "You underestimate how much Aoife loved you back, Aaron. She even said she'd die for you if it meant letting you live. Anyway, I have to go. I'm still in the process of being reincarnated…ah! Don't go looking for me when you evolve. You hear me?! Let the past be the past—but if you choose to check up on me, I won't mind…see you around, buddy. Go kick ass, alright?!"

With those last words, Ryan gave Aaron a thumbs up before vanishing. Aaron wanted to talk to him more, but understood he couldn't stay forever. However, he was glad his former best friend was here to speak to him and give him a few hints.

"Check the base and her room, huh? I wonder if her parents would let me do that? The base will be easy, but them…I'm not sure. I got along with them when Aoife was still alive, that much I'm certain off…" he mumbled to himself.

He slapped himself on his cheeks and shouted, "Alright let's do this! Leeerrooooooooy Jenkiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinsssssss!!" before he also disappeared from the spot.

…

Lavinia Reni's Soliloquy

…

After we received the message from Elyscia everyone in Team [DxD] gathered in Aaron's meeting room. Several magic circles were also present that were connected to leaders from all factions and pantheons from different mythologies and smaller groups.

Azazel was at the head of the room along with Elyscia and other [Electa]. Everyone was tense as the stronger ones could feel the various enemies still teleporting into the world as they also began to prepare for their attack on the world.

No doubt—

"No doubt the humans are aware of this now," said Azazel.

"Misheia has further confirmed that the heads of those stone creatures were Battle Gods, and according to her, they're all over the waters of the world. I can also confirm from the shadow soldiers that in mythologies with waters…they also appeared there," Elyscia informed us.

"Meaning…we'll be splitting the team to fight both in the human world and the supernatural world. We will be working with everyone on this, even the factions and pantheons we're not in an alliance with," added Azazel.

Elyscia summoned a holograph and pointed at it. "Eight of the G.o.B will be assigned to the human world, while the rest of the eight will be in the supernatural. They will constantly switch between pantheons and factions to provide assistance. The other subordinates of Jin-sama will do the same. We also have the trillions of shadow soldiers, so please rely on them too."

"With that said, each group will be responsible for their pantheon and country, so the Hindu group will defend their own pantheon and the countries associated with your gods. Jin's subordinates will obviously lend you a helping hand along with any of Team [DxD] that's near those areas!" said Azazel.

Elyscia seemed to have started talking to someone else as she had her hand on her ear and she spoke in whispers. She nodded to herself and told us, "It seems the new Beast of the Apocalypse has begun to split itself again. There will be seven others as well as the original. I along with Lianne and Aurelia will go face the original. Whichever team faces the other seven, don't be reckless. Play to your strengths and kill them slowly if you have to, understood?"

Everyone agreed with her command and then we began to discuss other appropriate measures with the other leaders and how their defense would work.

…

A few minutes later we were let go and we had to prepare, because according to the ones keeping an eye on the armies of the Khaos Order…they hadn't moved yet, but we saw from the human news that they started calling this even 'The End of the World'. We couldn't blame them; strange creatures and people began to appear everywhere and they also started to deploy their own armies just in case.

Apparently the Four Satans, Azazel and Michael have also contacted the governments and told them what was happening and they have started to cooperate with us, and they have started to censor what the television stations and news could show the people of earth.

Although it seems futile since most of them could just look up at the sky, use the internet or if unlucky enough…see those armies near their homes.

As I walked past the living room, I heard the TV was on and some people were there. Natsume, Shigune and Kuroka sat around looking at the TV.

The voices of children were heard on the television. It seems like the children who had been evacuated from various pantheons were being interviewed. This particular one was from the Underworld.

[Hey guys. What if the monsters came to the Underworld? What will happen to us?]

Facing the interview's question, the children smiled as they replied without a trace of fear.

[There's no need to worry! Oppai Dragon will come to defeat them!]

[Lion-san too! They'll definitely beat those bad guys in a cool way!]

[So will Darkness Knight Fang! They'll join forces with Oppai Dragon, and they'll definitely defeat all of those monsters!]

[Me too, I think the Switch-Princess will also show up and help everyone! She and the Witch-Princess will power up the Oppai Dragon making him even more powerful!]

[Angel-oniisan is also very strong. Because he's Oppai Dragon's friend, so he must be strong too!]

[The Butt Dragon too! He's Oppai Dragon's little brother and his rival! He's also strong, so if they combine their powers, they'll definitely defeat them all!]

I couldn't help but giggle to myself. I wonder when Vaa-kun started being called 'Butt Dragon' too? Maybe it was Aaron that started to call him that and it just spread?

"Ah, Lavinia, are you ready?" Natsume asked as she looked at me after the interviews stopped.

"Yes…I'm ready. I would have liked to visit Aaron but we don't know where he went this time." I wanted to ask him, but I knew he wouldn't tell us so we wouldn't worry needlessly. I trust him so he'll definitely come back on time.

"We're joining Vaa-kun's team in one of the European countries, right?" I asked.

"Well, you did insist on it," she replied and laughed.

I did. I wanted to be near Vaa-kun so I could protect him if it's necessary, also—

"Are you guys ready?" asked a male voice from behind us. We turned to it and…Sae and Tobio had joined us.

"What about your baby nya?" Kuroka asked.

"She's safe in Grigori's daycare. Jin visited there and added extra protection since he probably saw both of us joining in this defense of our planet," replied Tobio.

"That's right, that's right~ old and new leaders are joining forces!" announced Kanami from behind Sae.

"By the way, where's…?" as Tobio asked that, Shin appeared from my shadows and jumped into my arms.

"He's here…" I replied and hugged Shin. He in turn barked and stared at Gin. Those two did that the last time they saw each other. I wonder why?

"Can he function the same?" he asked.

"Apart from the use of the Balance Breaker, yes, Shin functions the same as Gin. He is an Independent-type Sacred Gear." Tobio and the rest of the team discussed our plans for defending the European country as well as any of its surroundings.

Eventually Ajamu-kun also joined us but he looked a bit distraught.

"Is something the matter, Ajamu-kun?" Sae asked with concern.

"I spoke with the Kushihashi head. I may be…part of the clan? Even if I'm illegitimate," he told us much to all of our surprise. "Apparently, my father was from there and he met my mother in the United Kingdom who also had a natural affinity with Holy swords, and…that's how I was involved in all of that a few months ago."

That was a shock…he did tell us about it a few months back during the attack on the Chinese Pantheon, but he dismissed it. However, if Qinglong the Azure Dragon was the one to tell me something like that, I may investigate into it. But given that Ajamu was content with his life right now…then he probably didn't.

But when I think about it, his affinity with the Holy Sword [Galatine], and plant/wood-based powers then it definitely made sense. "Did you try using other elements to see your compatibility with it? Like Seiryuu with his wind and lightning…" I asked him.

"I have, and I'm not as proficient as him. I have trained all my life with my plant and wood manipulation, so…trying to master that in just a few hours would be pointless," replied Ajamu.

"Heeeh, so you're Ajamu Kushihashi, eh? Sounds strange when I say it like that," said Kouki as he came in with Mittelt, Kalawarna and Meruem.

"It seems our team has grown even more since last time, well, then…Kanami since you're still—"

"Nuh-uh, I'm passing it back to you. Since you're participating in this Slash Dog-san will be the leader again," said Kanami. She then made exaggerated movements like she was placing a crown on him.

Tobio laughed and agreed. "Alright, if that's what you want then I don't mind…as some of you know we'll be partnering up with the Vali Team to help defend a certain European country. Vali will definitely want to do his own thing, the same with his team, so we'll provide them with support. Other than that, don't let any innocent die, and also watch each other's back, alright?!"

It felt refreshing to hear Tobi lead the team, but we all agreed with him. After a few more minutes of planning, I left the room. I decided I would temporarily join back with the Slash/Dog Team since they would be the closest to Vaa-kun. I would also get to work with Fusae-chan so having another magician was comforting.

As I walked upstairs, I saw the door to Aaron's room was open. When I peeked in…I saw Suzaku in there as she walked around his room, touching certain items. She turned around and gestured for me to go in and I did.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop," I told her. Shin wriggled in my arms and jumped to Suzaku who caught him. I guess he's felt the same way about Suzaku too…

"It's fine. I just wanted to come here and calm down. It's a place we're all used to being in after all."

She paused and looked at a framed picture on one of the few desks in the room. It was a picture of everyone in the household that we took a few months back. We had forced Aaron to stop worrying about the potential Christmas attack, and went out to a place where we all could just relax.

"He might evolve after all of this is finished," I told her. Suzaku was surprised by this and stared at me. She didn't answer me right away and stroked Shin.

"You believe that he'll die during it?" she asked.

"Yes. That's why I'm preparing…you also seem to know about something that'll happen after he evolves…" I replied. She looked away appearing guilty. "Will you tell me?" I asked.

She shook her head and said, "I can't tell you in detail, but…he'll be going away for a long time, but for us…it won't be too long."

"I…see…" I think I understand what she's trying to say. I don't like it, but it's Aaron's decision. I just wish we could join him then…

As I was about to speak again, a powerful tremor hit the town of Kuoh. We looked at each other as Shin's eyes glowed and he howled. At that moment, translucent transceivers appeared on our ears.

[Team [DxD], in the next 30 seconds, all of you will be transported to your designated locations. Please be ready by then!] Elyscia's voice rang in our ears.

It's starting then…! Suzaku, Shin and I went to the balcony of his room and saw that there were even more figures in the far sky. However, this time there were even larger monsters in them, some resembling smaller versions of what Glenda fused herself with…

"Which team will you be part of?" I asked.

"I'm joining Akeno…but I can switch to any team since I've given each leader a talisman so I can teleport between groups instantly," she told me. "If the Slash/Dog Team requires assistance…then I will provide it like I did four years ago."

"Okay, good luck," I told her and hugged her, surprising her. She hugged me back though and Shin licked both our faces. However, the small jet-black dog jumped back into my arms and we went our separate ways.

Each team gathered in different parts of Aaron's house. Many voices and murmurs could be heard throughout and even the normal humans of Kuoh were looking up at the sky in horror and anticipation. Then, the countdown began.

[10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3—]

"Vaa-kun, please stay safe. If Aaron comes back with you injured and being reckless, he'll scold you," I told him.

Vaa-kun didn't answer me as he only gave me a brief glance and a curt nod. Finally, the countdown ended and we were teleported away.

…

Third Person Point of View

…

Each team had been transported to their designated locations, at the same time, the factions around the world, realms and above the earth's atmosphere had also finished their preparations. Suddenly, hundreds of stone statues began to emerge from all of the earth's oceans and any other bodies of water.

The people of earth began to panic as these stone statues began to move, each step causing untold damage, each step were as powerful as an 10.0+ magnitude earthquake that shook that country. However, that wasn't the only thing that the humans had to be worried about. Above them were millions to hundreds of millions of various creatures that flew down towards them.

Yet…

A powerful shockwave—a swing from a single person's sword obliterated them. Those humans turned to look at this individual. She wore a black, crimson, white, and gold military-style outfit. Her left shoulder had a black and gold shoulder guard.

She also had armor on her legs and shoes. She wore black gloves and had a long black and golden cape with the inner part being crimson-red. She had red hair and red-orange eyes. She also carried a golden-crimson greatsword that she used to wipe out her enemies. It was Misheia one of the [Goddesses of Battle].

She didn't say anything to them and flew towards the Battle Gods that had appeared and destroyed them in one swing of her sword! She landed on the water's surface and quickly scanned her surroundings; she noticed that even more were coming up from the depths of the water.

[This is Misheia, I believe magic circles, or whatever they're using are below the oceans, at a place we can't see. Reuna, Shaula, Lena or someone proficient in magic, can you take a look at it?] she asked through the transceiver.

Misheia didn't want to recklessly swing her sword down and accidentally split the world in half—she didn't think her master would be too happy with that.

[This is Lena, I'll go check it myself.]

Misheia nodded to herself before she dashed away and destroyed even more Battle Gods that were making their way to the shores of certain countries. However, she also felt some lost life out in the sea as there were some fishermen out there as well as battleships that tried to attack the Battle Gods to only have themselves be blown up.

…

In the coasts of Japan stood Team [DxD]. Dulio the [Joker] of Heaven with the [Brave Saints], the Gremory and Sitri peerage and various youkai had arrived to defend their home, one of them was Yasaka and Kunou.

"So…I missed his awakening and he's already gone. What a troublesome husband," said Yasaka.

"He's just like that, let him be," said Irene. She and Ophis had also joined Team [DxD] in defending Japan since she also saw it as a second home now.

Ophis raised her arm with a close fist and said, "Blow 'em away…!"

"Blow them away!" repeated Kunou.

In the distance, there was another Trihexa, the Beast of the Apocalypse. In the lead were three women, Lianne Sandlot, Aurelia Le Guin and Elyscia.

"Let me lead them, can you two prepare in case another enemy attacks?" Aurelia asked her two comrades.

"If that's what you want, then I will stand back," replied Lianne. She removed her helmet and put her weapon to her side. "Duvalie, please check the other coasts of Japan and report back to me."

"Yes, master!" shouted Duvalie as she disappeared. The other two members of the Stahlritter also patrolled around the area, checking for any enemies that may be hidden.

"I will create extra magic circles just in case then…they will need your words, General," said Elyscia. She then left and began putting several magic circles around them, each one being different. One could heal, the other could launch attacks and the others were barriers to protect the other ones.

Suddenly an even larger magic circle appeared far in the distance, just like on Halloween, an even larger monster came out of it. It had countless legs, tentacles, heads and from what Aurelia could see, multiple hearts and brains.

The ones with the rings checked it using [Appraisal] and found that it was equal to a Dragon God-class being.

At another spot, Akeno approached Suzaku. "Suzaku-nee-sama…"

"Are you worried, Akeno?" she asked her cousin.

"No. It's just that, something just feels strange about today…" said Akeno. A look of worry was on her face.

"Everything will be fine, Akeno. Aaron will be back on time," said Rias.

Suzaku agreed. "Yes, it's as your [King] says. He always comes back, come…they're about to start."

As Suzaku said that, a loud roar was heard from both 666 and the monster that appeared. Millions of red Scale Mail armor flew towards them, as well as Cryptids, Mass-produced Evil Dragons, Divine Beasts, soldiers from both the Evie faction and Phantasma and many more monsters.

Even the monster that appeared from the magic circle also charged in, however, 666 did not. Many people of the alliance were worried, some shook out of fear, some were ready to lay down their lives to defend their world and home.

Aurelia took a step forward and let her aura loose, a large golden lion appeared around her with multiple arms with weapons. A confident smiled appeared on Aurelia's face as she shouted to the team.

"Are you scared? Scared that you may lose your life today? Well fear not—for I am here. I will lead us in this battle and we will come out victorious. You are the young, you are the next generation that will lead this world. If you keep on fearing everything, how will you move forward into the future?!"

She brought her greatsword [Arcadia] to her side and her aura increased even more—the whole world also began to shake. She then leapt forward; she passed by many monsters that tried to attack her—her only goal was the monster that appeared from the magic circle.

Aurelia did a singly swing and appeared behind the monster—then the entire area—no, the entire world was engulfed in a bright golden light. Seconds later, as if the universe had caught up to what she had done, a powerful explosion consumed the monster and all the others around it.

The explosion kept on expanding until it killed even more enemies, but it immediately vanished after a few seconds. A golden light and mirage of a lion lay in its destruction.

Aurelia then flew back, killing as many as she could on the way and stood in front of the alliance on Japan. The confident smile never left her face. "Follow me into battle, or stay here and provide support to the rest of us. We won't let them destroy this world!"

The fighting spirits of everyone there were ignited by her speech and the destruction they saw from her. It reminded them once again that they had powerful allies on their side—that they would be nigh-invincible in this fight.

The warriors on Japan's soil roared in unison as they also charged ahead.

"Protect the country we live on!!!" someone shouted.

"Oooooooooooooooooooooooooouuuu!!" the rest screamed in unison and then they all flew away to confront the enemy that had managed to recover themselves and also confronted the alliance.

"You certainly know how to rile them up," said Lianne. In response to that, Aurelia simply smirked at her.

"We can't let him return to a destroyed world after all," she told Lianne. "Will you lot get going?" she asked the Gremory and Sitri peerages.

"Yes ma'am!" they shouted and also left to join the battle.

Just then—powerful and loud explosions started to appear everywhere in Japan—no, not only in Japan but all over the world. A battle to protect their home was about to start, one where many of them were unaware that some of them may die because…a certain new outer god drew closer.

…